Jack Mercer was an American actor who is best known for his role as the voice of Popeye the Sailor. He had a significant impact on the world of animation and voice acting, leaving a lasting legacy over his career.
Personal and Family Life
Jack Mercer was born on January 31, 1910, in Worthington, Indiana. His birth name was Winfield B. Mercer. He was married to Margie Hines from 1939 until their divorce in 1950, and later married Virginia until his death in 1984. Both of his parents were actors, which likely influenced his pursuit of a career in the arts.
Career Overview
Mercer began his career as an inbetweener, or rookie animator, at the Fleischer studio where he developed his skills in animation. He caught the attention of Dave Fleischer when he sang the Popeye theme song in a unique voice, leading to a chance to voice a cartoon character. Over time, he became a prominent voice actor and writer at the studio, specializing in many beloved characters.
Death and Legacy
Jack Mercer passed away on December 4, 1984, in Manhattan, New York City, due to stomach cancer. His work continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans of animation, especially for his iconic portrayal of Popeye, which has become a classic representation of the character.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Bug Goes to Town | 1941-12-09 | Mr. Bumble (voice) |
| Superman | 1941-09-26 | The Mad Scientist (voice) (uncredited) |
| Popeye Meets the Man Who Hated Laughter | 1972-10-07 | Popeye / Wimpy (voice) |
| The All-New Popeye Hour | 1978-09-09 | Popeye / Poopdeck Pappy |
| Popeye the Sailor | 1960-06-10 | Popeye (voice) |
| Felix the Cat | 1958-10-02 | Felix / The Professor / Rock Bottom |
| A Hull of a Mess | 1942-10-16 | Popeye |
| Baby Wants a Bottleship | 1942-07-03 | Popeye (voice) (uncredited) |